trailer bearings

crobi2 wrote: While you've got your bearings out and can read the numbers on them, you might want to buy a set of replacements to keep in the car for long trips. You can just about always find the tools you would need to replace a bearing and race while on the road, that is if you are not already carrying them. Finding a set of bearings to fit your trailer on a Sat or Sun while on the road is another matter.

Very sound advice and I second the idea. After hearing of horror stories from guys who've had trailer trouble on the the way to GL I made up a trailer emergency toolbox. In it I have a bottlejack, fold up speed handle, grease rags, surgical gloves, grease gun, a few extra lug nuts and a complete set of bearings, races/seals for one wheel. I only take it with me on long trips (over 60 miles) and not when I headed to my local lake. Fortunately I haven't had to use it..... YET.

Just a friendly word of advice. Go to a reunion, gathering whatever and get to know the guys here. You never know when your in unfamiliar territory but not far from one of your boat buddies here who can help you out. Just ask Jbear as it happened to him last summer and I was only 20 mins away from helping a brother out. It's gonna happen to you sooner or later I don't care who you are.   

As long as you spot a bearing failure prior to destruction of the spindle and/or hub a replacement set of bearings can save an incredible amount of hassle.

Thanks,
Races look real good, Bearings are out.

If you want to get the inside bearing out, you generally have to pry out the seal. This will ruin the seal, but if you are going to all of the trouble to remove the hub, it's worth replacing anyway (typically just a couple of dollars to replace).

Just read the numbers off of it and get a replacement at the trailer store. Knock in the new one carefully and evenly using a socket or block of wood or something. If you bend the new one, you can damage the new seal.